Eyes

Ears

: Heart shaped, dropped, thin, set well above eye level, held close to head, except at back. Tips not below neck line.

NECK

: Short, straight, strongly muscled. Carried high, no mane or dewlap.

BODY

: Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Withers are wide and not prominent. Chest wide and deep, reaching to elbow. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Short, strong loin. Moderate tuck-up. Croup only slightly inclined.

TAIL

: The tail is a distinct feature of the breed and should medium set, thick at base and tapering, not reaching below the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail should be carried gaily, curved above the level of the topline, but not necessarily in a full curve.

LIMBS

:

FOREQUARTERS

: Straight, strong boned and well muscled. Shoulders muscular and well laid. Pasterns long and upright.

FEET

: Round, rather flat, toes not too long or too knuckled up. Membrane reaching to tip of toes, covered with hair. Central pads very thick.

HINDQUARTERS

: Straight and very strongly muscled, well angulated, buttocks long and well curved, strong hock, metatarsals long.

GAIT / MOVEMENT

: Walking, lively short steps. A light trot and energetic gallop.

COAT

:

HAIR

: Profuse, covering whole body except under forelegs and thigh. Two distinct types, both without undercoats. (a) Hair fairly long, loosely waved with slight sheen, hair on head erect, ears well feathered. (b) Hair shorter, fairly harsh and dense, compact curls, lacking lustre, head hair similar to body, hair on ears somewhat wavy.
Muzzle and entire hindquarters from the last rib clipped. Two thirds of tail clipped from set on.

COLOUR

: Black, white, various shades of brown, black and white, brown and white. Skin bluish under black, white, and black and white dogs.

SIZE

FAULTS

: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

N.B.:

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.